Stars of the North East sporting scene past and present joined forces with generous businesses for a black-tie bash to raise funds for the Chronicle’s Sunshine Fund.

For the 18th year running, a whole host of famous faces turned out to take part in the Celebrity Question of Sport.

Former Newcastle United and Northern Ireland footballer Tommy Cassidy was one of the stars on show.

“I’ve been to this for a couple of years and being from Newcastle for a long time I like doing this because it feels like giving something back for the kids,” he said

“There was a very good turnout and I think for a lot of people the Sunshine Fund is a favourite charity.”

Carlisle United goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, who was attending the event with Newcastle United’s Paul Dummett said it was great to see so many people showing their support.

“Being from Newcastle it’s always nice to come and support a local charity,” said Mark, 21. “And it was really good to see so many people out.”

Companies from across Tyneside – many whom return year after year – were seated with the array of local sporting stars to battle it out over five rounds of trivia to be crowned Celebrity Question of Sport champion.

This year’s event was sponsored by the Malhotra Group, which is currently looking to invest £100m in the care and leisure sectors over the next five years, with much of that here in the North East. “We were delighted to be given the opportunity to sponsor such a prestigious event and be associated with an important local charity, as the Malhotra Group is committed to reinvesting into the local community and the North East,” Atul Malhotra said.

Caroll Pattison, of the Sunshine Fund, said: “I would like to thank The Malhotra Group for sponsoring this fabulous event, also to Barclays and Wylam Breweries for their support. Our guests certainly entered into the quiz spirit making it a fabulously competitive evening whilst also digging deep to raise our fabulous total which will help us supply much-needed equipment for the children and families we support.

“I would also like to say a special thank you to Clare Savory our events manager who puts a tremendous amount of work into making our events like these successful.

“And of course the volunteers who give their time to support the charity.”